Digest-Sep2011_Aug22.pdf

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DESK Welcome back to Canola Digest . The last time Digest arrived in your mailbox, plans for seeding were underway even though the province was blanketed in snow and the fear of more spring precipitation was on everyone’s mind. The spring was indeed challenging. Many parts of Saskatchewan had less precipitation than most years, and the southeast saw reductions in acres planted due to excessive moisture and flooding. It is our hope that the warmth of summer and an extended fall will bode well for the harvesting of the acres that were seeded.

SASKCANOLA WELCOMES TRACY JONES TO THE NEW POSITION OF POLICY MANAGER

Catherine Folkersen SaskCanola

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At SaskCanola the crop year end (July 31) finished on a positive note. The new generation canola variety trials were seeded this spring with support from the four western canola producer groups and participation by Bayer CropScience, BrettYoung Seeds, Canterra Seeds, Cargill, Dow AgroSciences, FP Genetics, Monsanto, SeCan and Viterra. New popcorn bags featuring heart-healthy canola oil messaging were unveiled at Mosiac Stadium. SaskCanola spent time in rural and urban schools teaching about canola, its healthy oil and role as an environmentally responsible farm crop. Our office also welcomed Tracy Jones as the new Policy Manager. As all farmers know, many factors create profitability in farming – a solid research agenda, proactive market development, clear communication with consumers and of course understanding how agriculture policy affects farmers. To ensure policy options that are good for farmers get discussed by all levels of government, Tracy will manage emerging issues and respond with ideas, suggestions and solutions to issues facing Saskatchewan canola growers. Usually at this time of year SaskCanola puts out the call for interested registered producers to run in the annual election. When this issue was going to press we were waiting for changes to the Canola Development Plan Regulations that would allow for an election every second year . Chair Brett Halstead stated “the cost of running an election annually is significant and rather than electing two new members every year, the organization will run an election every second year and elect four directors to the board.” The board will also expand to eight directors from six. By the time you read this we may have the new regulations in place – check our website for the announcement of this change to your canola organization. We welcome your input so drop us a line at info@saskcanola.com . Have a safe and successful harvest. Sincerely,

Raised on a mixed farm near Tilston, Manitoba, Tracy received her Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness from the University of Manitoba. Prior to joining SaskCanola in June 2011, she worked as an Agri-Industry Development Officer with the Agriculture and Food Council of Alberta. Commenting on her new role with SaskCanola, Tracy stated, “This is a very exciting time to be working in the agriculture sector, especially the canola industry. Crop prices are strong while research and innovation is improving efficiency for producers; however there are still many complex issues that impact farmers. I look forward to working with our producers as we shape the new policy portfolio for SaskCanola.” s

Catherine Folkersen, Executive Director